Chemical, biological, and radiological weapons: implications for optometry and public health

Because of growing concerns of terrorist attacks using chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, appropriate diagnosis and management of ocular and systemic effects are important issues for eye care practitioners.

The literature on the ocular and systemic effects of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons is reviewed to provide practicing optometrists with an overview of the issues involved in incident management. A discussion of the public health issues and implications is also presented. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons can exert serious consequences on the eye and the entire body. Acts of terrorism can pose unique challenges to patient care and to the healthcare system infrastructure. The clinician must be familiar with signs of potential terrorist activities to aid in appropriate patient care and in the containment of illness in the community.

Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of exposure to potential agents used by terrorists and a review of the public health concerns of managing terrorist events can provide the necessary background to help the eye care provider make the appropriate diagnosis and understand the role of the clinician in the hierarchy of disaster preparedness, surveillance, and response.